Figueroa fails to impress in latest audition

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Nelson Figueroa had a tremendous opportunity in the race for the No. 5 spot on Monday, facing a Phillies team chock full o’ regulars.

He turned in his most disappointing outing of the spring, using 70 pitches to get through four innings. His line:

4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Two of the strikeouts were three-pitch jobs on Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels. It was the hits that were the concern, and specifically, their distribution.

The first time through the order, he gave up two singles, neither exactly smoked. The second time through, it was three doubles and two walks.

After the game, Figueroa dismissed the notion that he was hit harder because he’d been seen once, saying that the Phillies had more video on him than anybody. He said he felt fine and wasn’t all that worried about the start.

He did, though, admit that it’s time to stop working on things and go for results. And staked to an opportunity to distance himself in the race to start after giving up just one run in five innings, Figueroa faltered for the first time.